// This article originally appeared on AFL.com.au //

PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to return the Power to the finals, travelling halfway around the world to learn from England rugby union coach Eddie Jones on the eve of the season.

Hinkley departed for England after the Power's internal trial on Valentine's Day, but will return in time for the Power's opening game of the Marsh Community Series against Brisbane at the Moreton Bay Sports Complex on Sunday.

"He's away in England at the moment," Power forward development coach Chad Cornes told SportsDay SA on Thursday night.

"Himself and (Development Coach) Matt Lokan went to spend some time with Eddie Jones and the English rugby team.

"He's been away since the internal trial, so he'll meet us up in Brisbane."

Needing to take the Power to the finals to activate a clause in his contract for next season, Hinkley has boldly declared "we're coming" and believes the side is capable of challenging for the premiership.

"He's been pretty good Kenny, considering all the outside noise and pretty much the abuse he's copped from our supporters for the last year or so," Cornes said.

"He's handling it really well and the players love him.

"The relationships he's got with the players is as good as I've seen from a head coach."

Cornes revealed that Hinkley has taken more responsibility during the summer than he has in previous years.

"Kenny's been a little bit more hands on this pre-season," Cornes said.

"In the past, he's sort of let the other coaches take control so they can get their experience up, but from my point of view, there's nothing better than when the senior coach steps up and takes training.

"As a player, you want to hear from the senior coach more than anyone.

"So, Kenny's done that this pre-season and it has lifted the standard of training."